USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball for a 69 yard touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball for a 69 yard touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
The New England Patriots fell short of a comeback against the Indianapolis Colts late during Saturday night’s game. The Week 15 matchup proved to be a mere disappointment for the Patriots. They failed to take their winning streak to a new high this season and snapped off against the Colts.
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New England was about to make a huge comeback. However, they got hampered by a dubious fourth-down decision by Bill Belichick. A costly penalty and an inability to slow down Jonathan Taylor on the ground proved to be the main reason why that plan failed.
New England Patriots fell short of a TD for a gigantic comeback
The Patriots had numerous low spots on the evening, including punter Jake Bailey’s punt being blocked and recovered for a touchdown by the Colts’ E.J. Speed. The Patriots were behind 20-0 in the fourth quarter before a spirited comeback attempt fell short.
Mac Jones, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, battled tremendously in the first half, but he played much better in the second. His fourth-quarter heroics brought the game close before Taylor clinched the victory with a game-winning 67-yard touchdown run.
The Patriots fell to 9-5, while the Colts advanced to 8-6. Here’s a peek at Twitter’s reaction to the final outcome.
FINAL: Jonathan Taylor rushes for 170 yards as the @Colts get a statement win on Saturday night! #ForTheShoe #NEvsIND pic.twitter.com/jRoQEW0ktY
— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2021
.@colts fans mood right now. pic.twitter.com/NnPmjx6KHM
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 19, 2021
how bout them Colts. 🐎
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) December 19, 2021
I’m so happy#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/EAe2B46noK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 19, 2021
Perfect form 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QR2pPXfUwz
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 19, 2021
Colts just won a game with Carson Wentz completing 5 passes! pic.twitter.com/r6P2dfzEJ9
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) December 19, 2021
Jonathan Taylor. A 67-yard dagger to the heart of the AFC No. 1 seed. New @Colts franchise record for touchdowns. Leading the NFL in rushing. Get this guy some MVP votes. Seriously.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) December 19, 2021
Jonathan Taylor steals the win
It’s not every day that the NFL talks about Jonathan Taylor‘s impressive speed and exceptional abilities as a running back. According to Next Gen Stats, Taylor touched 22.13 mph on the game-winning play, outracing Patriots cornerback J.C. Jacksons into the end zone.
The Patriots had committed a costly fourth-quarter penalty prior to Taylor’s big run. They used a jumbo set, and for a false start, second-year offensive tackle Mike Onwenu got flagged. That forced the team to convert a far more difficult third-down conversion.
After a difficult primetime loss, the Patriots face the Buffalo Bills at home next week in a huge rematch. The running defense has to make amends to their approach. Jones must take better care of the ball, and the special teams cannot repeat their Saturday performance.
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